The virus is now out of control and the NHS is overwhelmed several London hospitals have declared a major incident as they struggle to cope with the deluge of COVID-19 patients and hospitals across the UK are also finding it difficult to cope.

Figures released today from PHE state that 1 in 3 people who have COVID-19 display no symptoms and can unknowingly spread the virus.  Today, 8^th January the daily death toll is 1325 it is the highest rise in the daily death toll since the start of the outbreak surpassing the last highest recorded figure of 1224 on 21^st April 2020. This second wave which began in November shows no signs of abating. While the economic burden is felt by us all the death toll will continue to rise if social distancing measures and the lockdown which is in place is ignored and the Public should not be encouraged to seek aesthetic treatments even if it is considered to be for medical reasons.

ACE Group World continues to offer advice to members on the management of complications via the emergency helpline, video calls and email.

In light of the escalating situation ACE Group World urges members not to undertake any aesthetic treatments. The only treatments which might be considered acceptable would be the management of an adverse event or a complication which is acute and would be detrimental to the health of the patient or could lead to long term damage for example, necrosis/ tissue death resulting from vascular occlusion.

Practitioners are urged to carry out such treatments:

• Only after discussion with their insurers on a case by case basis
• When management by remote means have been exhausted (video or telephone consultation/ prescription)
• Following social distancing and PPE advice
• Carry out treatment in a suitable clinical environment

As many of our members are not able to work during this time, we will be adding a lot more content to our e-learning platform so that practitioners can complete a lot of the modules required for appraisal and revalidation. Make sure you login to the Members section of the website, as much of this content is free to ACE Group members.

Stay safe!